COLOR: It’s time to step out of the 1990’s photo box and get outside of your comfort zone. It’s 2014 and it’s time to update the look for family photos. Reach beyond the plain white shirt or “white button-up and jeans” look… It’s time to modernize and set yourself apart from the past typical and overdone look.

Color is good. Texture is Fun. Patterns are fantastic. It is completely fine to mix and match a bit, just make sure there is a common theme. Have fun with it, and just make sure your style reflects who you are! Your goal should be to coordinate, but not to be matchy-matchy.

Wear colors that compliment your skin tone. As an example, being somewhat fair skinned and blonde, as much as I love yellow, I also am aware that yellow is not one of my most flattering colors, especially for photography. As a fair-skinned blonde, my colors tend to be more pastels and “summer” colors such as turquoise, blues, corals, pinks, mint greens, lavender, etc. Everyone is different, just find a color that feels like you and that you feel confident in!

COLOR SCHEME: A general rule is the “3 Colors Rule” with an option for a pop of color. Start with 3 colors with one being a neutral. Neutrals include black, white, creams, grey, khaki, etc. Having more than 3 colors can tend to make the picture look too busy. So if you started with jeans (dark blue jeans), creams (neutral), and greens, then you could selecting clothing with different patterns and textures that includes these colors so that the family looks like a cohesive group. Stick with colors that work well together. Then you can also add a “pop of color” such as yellow (or even purple) if you’d like to add a few accessories with this color as long as it doesn’t look too busy. The ideas is to coordinate and look like a unified group without crossing the line of being too “matchy-matchy”. Sticking with the same colors but mixing up the colors, textures, and patterns will help to achieve this overall look.

Make sure your general color scheme complements, instead of clashes, with your surroundings. Keep the time of year in mind. For example, if it’s fall, then fall colors and neutrals (ex. creams, browns, etc.) will go great with your outdoor fall photos. Wearing a bright pink sundress may not look the best with autumn reds, oranges, and browns.

FAMILY SHOPPING: When shopping for outfits for a family, one of the best tips is to start with the person that is the most difficult to shop for (such as the husband or the boys). Then move onto the next hardest person to shop for. A good rule of thumb is to start with the husband, then move onto the boys, then the mom, and then to the little girls since there are so many options for our little princesses these days! This will then help to narrow down the color scheme and keep the look consistent.

COMFORT: Make sure you and your kids are comfortable and can move around in your clothes. It’s a good idea to make sure you can sit, stand, jump, dance, and lay down if needed. Being comfortable in your outfit will shine through in your photographs. This is also the same for kids as well. I was an extremely picky child when I was younger and absolutely hated hose. If I was forced to wear hose, not only would I pout, but I’d likely throw a fit until I finally convinced whoever that panty hose were a waste of time. If you have a similar overly picky child, make sure they are comfortable and happy in their clothes as well so that they can enjoy the session too, and their happiness will show through in their photographs.

PERSONALITY: Let your outfit reflect your personality. Accessorize with scarves, headbands, jewelry, hats, jean jackets, fun boots, anything that makes you feel like your best self. The same goes for your kids. Headbands and accessories are always fun to add for the little girls. Little ties or bow ties are especially cute for the little guys in your life. www.Etsy.com has a huge selection of fun accessories that are unique for your little ones.

If your daughter is at the age where her favorite thing to wear is a tutu, bring along the tutu for some fun shots at the end of the session! If she wants the entire session in the tutu too and you’re ok with this, that works too! Photographs capture a moment in time in everyone’s lives, and the more personality the better, as this will only add to the photos and make them that much more memorable.

EXTRA TIPS for KIDS: For children, especially younger kids, it’s always wise to bring along an extra shirt just incase the child gets dirty (or if the baby is in the spitting up phase). My philosophy is to come prepared, and the more options the better!

PROPS: Another note for kids, props are always welcomed and appreciated. Feel free to bring along a few favorite toys, stuffed animals, or a special blanket. Anything sentimental, fun, or something that just adds character or something unique to the session also works too. I have plenty of ideas, so if you’d like to know more, just ask!

RECOMMENDATIONS: Feel free to ask me for recommendations or send me a picture (taken in natural light if possible) of your outfit or your family’s outfits. I’m happy to offer my suggestions and answer any questions as well!

]]>https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/wardrobe-ideas/feed/0shelbysuzanneWardrobeAbout Me…https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/about-me/
https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/about-me/#respondFri, 27 Jun 2014 05:19:31 +0000http://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/?p=1231I’m a simple girl. I strive to see the BEAUTY in the ordinary moments of life. Capturing precious moments to preserve life’s stories is my passion.

Things I LOVE and APPRECIATE (in no particular order):

RaNDoM AcTs of KINDNESS.

the ocean. the sound. the smell. the peace I feel. the memories. the way it acts as the perfect canvas for sunrises and sunsets.

sunsets. thunderstorms. sunrises (if I’m up early enough and outside to see them…)

Miya Sofia, my spoiled maltese.

GOD. The creator of all things beautiful. My daily source of strength, hope, and faith.

My amazing FAMILY and FRIENDS. So grateful for their unwavering love, support, and encouragement.

Observing life with new perspectives… viewing life’s infinite moments as UNIQUE and precious WORKS of ART.

Witnessing and experiencing true and heartfelt LOVE. Tender and unconditional love within a family, innocent and endearing love between a newly engaged couple, enthusiastic and limitless love for life.

Dr. Pepper (fountain variety).

music and the effects it can have on me.

making and preserving MEMORIES.

]]>https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/about-me/feed/0E_IMG_5252_A$90_ST14_BG30_PH10shelbysuzanneE_IMG_52502_crop_2_ST29_HMy Sidekickhttps://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/my-sidekick/
https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/my-sidekick/#respondFri, 27 Jun 2014 05:11:45 +0000http://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/?p=1207Most people know I’m borderline obsessed with my little pup. Miya Sophia is a spunky, curious, and full of energy powderpuff that thinks she’s human. She not only loves exploring with me when I’m out and about with the camera, but she loves to be photographed as well. She also is my little companion when I edit as she sits in her own personal recliner next to me and doesn’t mind my taste in music as long as she can take a snooze at her leisure. She’s one of a kind and I wouldn’t trade her for anything. She even has her own “car seat” compliments of my brother (who is just as obsessed with her as I am, if not more).

Working in the wedding industry and getting to know so many great people, I wanted to recommend a few of my favorites that I’ve worked with so far that I would highly recommend for those of you that are in the search! Happy planning!

Photographers need to have fun too… Not only did we enjoy some wine, photography nerd talk, and a beautiful evening, but we shared some fun photo tips and even became each other’s photo subjects. Being on the other side of the lens doesn’t always give many opportunities to be photographed, so we decided to live this evening up and click away… Here are a few highlights from the evening at Windcrest Winery.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” -Maya Angelou

“Often it’s the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self.” -Karen Salmansohn

“If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” -Dhirubhai Ambani

“Leap and the net will appear.” -Zen Saying

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” ~John A. Shedd

“When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.” -Ellen DeGeneres

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” -Lao Tzu

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” -T. S. Eliot

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” -George Eliot

“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” -Marissa Mayer

“When people are worse than you at what you do, don’t judge them for it. Appreciate that they are still trying. Don’t judge your beginning to someone else’s middle. We are all different and in different places in our lives.” -Anonymous

“You get what you settle for.” -Thelma and Louise

“No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear.” -Greg Kincaid

“Do not let the night doubt what was true in the light.” -A very wise friend…

]]>https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/a-few-favorite-quotes-on-life-living-tough-stuff-and-motivation/feed/0shelbysuzanneSpring has sprung, Summer is upon us, and Fall is just around the cornerhttps://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/spring-has-sprung-summer-is-upon-us-and-fall-is-just-around-the-corner/
https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/spring-has-sprung-summer-is-upon-us-and-fall-is-just-around-the-corner/#respondWed, 25 Jun 2014 15:21:28 +0000http://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/?p=1136Few things do I enjoy more than a perfect summer evening with beautiful weather, wonderful company, engaging conversations, maybe even an evening stroll, and making new memories.

With this gorgeous weather upon us, I know we all enjoy getting some fresh air and making the most of the summer before it somehow disappears way too fast. It’s that time again to bring back the summer clothes, go barefoot, dine al fresco, and spend more time outdoors. As this beautiful season surrounds us, don’t forget to book your summer and fall photography session as the flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and memories are waiting to happen and be captured!

]]>https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/spring-has-sprung-summer-is-upon-us-and-fall-is-just-around-the-corner/feed/0shelbysuzanneSnake Falls_-7Shout out to My Amazing Friends & Famhttps://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/shout-out-to-my-amazing-friends-fam/
https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/shout-out-to-my-amazing-friends-fam/#respondWed, 25 Jun 2014 07:54:20 +0000http://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/?p=1160There are days when I am reminded to a completely different level of how fortunate I am to have the people in my life that I do. Every stage of my life, I’ve been fortunate to have my “2AM go to people” that I knew I could call no matter what time of the day, just like I’d be there for them.

No matter who you are and what you do, it is inevitable that we will all face hard times, challenges, unexpected turns in the road, and change. I am a firm believe that these situations only make us stronger and develop us into the person God created us to be. God helps us to overcome these experiences not only by relying on him and strengthening our faith, but also by surrounding us with angels on earth. My family and friends have taken this form way too many times to count, and I am eternally thankful for each and every one of them. When I look back at some of the road blocks, life changes, obstacles, and challenging times, I wouldn’t have been able to overcome these things to the extent that I did without my faith, my friends, and my family. I feel so incredibly blessed and grateful to have these people in my life, so I just wanted to say “Thank You”.

During a photography session, I give guidance where and if needed, but I make sure not to change my subjects. Instead, I highlight their best assets and features and capture the emotion, spontaneity, and essence of the moment. I have seen the truth to the above quote and have learned that my subjects do change me in more ways than I ever imagined.

With each client, I change the approach I use in order to get the best shots, find purpose, photograph their uniqueness, and capture the memory behind the lens. But on a different level, my clients change me for the better. With each session, I learn something new not only about my clients, but also about myself. Whether it is observing the spontaneous joys of a child and being reminded to live without fear and abandon or witnessing the true, fun-loving, and selfless love of a couple that knows the power and impact of love in their lives, my clients serve as a perfect reminder of the important things in life.

Whether they realize this or not, my clients touch my heart and make my soul smile with each interaction I have with them. I am so blessed to have such amazing clients that contribute in countless ways and continually impact my life. They leave lasting impacts on me just like I hope to leave lasting memories with them through the photographs I take. When you love what you do, connect with others, and keep an open mind, it’s amazing what can be accomplished, both through the lens and in the heart.

]]>https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/a-shout-out-to-my-amazing-clients/feed/0shelbysuzanneE_Silcox_Fall_300_new_-29_A$$$50_SW5_ST8_A*%50_St4Looking Through the Lenshttps://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/looking-through-the-lens/
https://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/looking-through-the-lens/#respondSat, 17 Dec 2011 10:45:12 +0000http://shelbysuzannephotography.wordpress.com/?p=6Capturing memorable moments, one-of-a-kind expressions, and raw emotion have become a passion of mine. Looking through the lens, I notice the unique and special moments that many would overlook and wish they would have captured in retrospect.

Seeing beyond the obvious, embracing creativity, envisioning unique perspectives, paying attention to the details, and planning for the expected while remaining alert for the unexpected are just some of the many ingredients that ensure the priceless and most cherished moments are forever remembered. I strive to orchestrate the extraordinary from the ordinary, and this principle serves as part of the foundation for my approach to photography.